Ownership and corporate records showing at least 51% control
Business & investment
Canada C11 business owners
An LMIA-exempt temporary work-permit route for qualifying business owners whose work provides a significant benefit to Canada.
- Route type
- Temporary significant-benefit work permit
- Destination
- Canada
- Best for
- Entrepreneurs exploring a business-led temporary work route in Canada.
- In this guide
- 3 stages · 6 document groups
START WITH YOUR PROFILE
A useful first conversation starts with the right details.
Tell us about your objective and background. This free initial assessment is an enquiry—not an eligibility decision or confirmed appointment.
02
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Know what the route is—and what it is not.
C11 is a temporary work-permit category for a business owner whose proposed work can create or maintain significant economic, social or cultural benefit to Canada. It is not a fixed-price investment program or direct permanent-residence grant.
Current IRCC instructions require control of at least 51% of the business, sufficient business and personal support funds, a credible temporary plan and evidence of significant benefit.
Official route guidance: IRCC — C11 business-owner instructions update
Who it may suit
Entrepreneurs exploring a business-led temporary work route in Canada.
Temporary significant-benefit work permit
ROUTES AND STATUS
Understand the distinction before choosing.
These routes have different legal outcomes and conditions. The right starting point depends on your facts.
| Route | Status | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Business-owner work permit · C11 | Temporary · normally no more than 18 months | The owner actively establishes or operates the qualifying business. Extensions require a fresh assessment and are not automatic. |
| Possible later immigration planning | Separate assessment | Any later permanent-residence option depends on a different program and the facts at that time. IRCC states C11 work experience does not count for Canadian Experience Class purposes. |
03
ELIGIBILITY
The points we review first.
- 01
Control at least 51% of the business and demonstrate a credible operating plan.
- 02
Show how your work creates or maintains significant economic, social or cultural benefits.
- 03
Provide sufficient business funds and separate support funds for your stay. A blanket CAD 200,000 minimum is not stated here.
04
POTENTIAL BENEFITS
A route should serve the life you are planning.
- A temporary route to operate a qualifying Canadian business.
- Business planning and document preparation can be organised around your proposed activity.
IRCC’s published instructions limit the permit to no more than 18 months and state that this work experience does not count for Canadian Experience Class purposes. C11 is not a direct PR grant; family eligibility and any later PR route require separate assessment.
05
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Prepare in stages.
This is an indicative checklist, not a universal filing list. The authority may request additional or updated evidence.
Show document checklist
Detailed viable business plan and implementation timetable
Evidence of significant economic, social or cultural benefit
Lawful business funds and separate personal support funds
Management experience and active-operating plan
Employer-compliance and work-permit evidence required for the filing
06
THE PROCESS
A clear sequence, with responsibilities defined.
Show the full sequence
- 01You + Plan B
Review business ownership, proposed activity and significant benefit.
- 02Preparation
Prepare business and personal support-fund evidence.
- 03Authority decision
Complete the applicable employer-compliance and work-permit steps.
07
HOW PLAN B HELPS
Practical guidance, from profile to preparation.
We help organise your profile, identify information gaps, explain the official requirements and coordinate an agreed preparation checklist. Final eligibility and every decision remain with the relevant authority. Regulated representation and legal advice must come from an appropriately authorised professional; confirm the adviser’s credentials and written scope before proceeding.
Discuss this programme08
COMMON QUESTIONS
Before you take the next step.
IRCC’s C11 instructions do not set one blanket minimum investment. Capital must be credible and sufficient for the proposed business; any advisory budget must not be described as statutory eligibility.
Official sources · Route guidance checked IRCC — C11 business-owner instructions update
YOUR NEXT MOVE
Turn an ambition into a properly prepared plan.
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